Exploring

Our new neighborhood has tons to explore. Lots of great paths for hiking, playing, and seeing the Choo-Choos!!

Parade Time!

We decided to venture out to a parade for St Pattys Day. What a fun morning before the snow comes in again next week - totally over winter!!!!

Note this looks awesome and it was...until it took us 2 hours to get home in what should have taken us 30 minutes.  Yep. I was thankful for two things:  1.  DVD player that we have installed in car now.  2.  That I packed lunches.  

So Here We Are

Here we are in Virginia. What a whirlwind. If I tried to explain all of the emotions I have I would have to type for days. What I do know is this...it is a big move and I am so glad the move is behind us. I am excited about new opportunities, new adventures, and time with my family. But I would be lying if I said I wasn't sad to leave my home in New Bern - my friends, my church family, Elli's friends, my family, everything really.  I miss that comfort, that sense of belonging, that routine.  I miss it all.

Still, here we are.  So I am putting on my big girl panties (you know what I mean right?) and I'm diving in.  We are diving in as a family. Please pray for us in this transition. Pray that we will find a great church to be a part of and a great community of friends.

Thank you for all the kind words of encouragement, the way you pitched in while we were moving and baby sat, moved boxes, and just generally helped us.  Please come visit! We will give you a great tour of the capital. I miss you all already but know that we will hang out again soon!!!

Mi Casa Su Casa

I hope everyone comes to visit us.  We want visitors and have plenty of space for you. In the meantime, I wanted to give you a tour of the new casa.  I have to take a minute and preface this by saying - my mom is AMAZING. Seriously, she came in here and within 48 hours had this place set up and made all my "visions" reality.  I love it and even though I am sad to be far away from New Bern, this place feels so comfy and homey with her touch. So thank you Mom. And of course Dad who also hung pictures, blinds, curtains, lights and anything else we told him to do. We were up until 2 am both nights they were here and they worked so hard.  I am so blessed to have such amazing parents.  And thank you to Grandma Waller for keeping the kids so we could get some stuff done!  That isn't an easy job either!!!

These aren't in any particular order - just some of my favorite spots in the house.

Elli's Room

One of my visions mom created. Elli has a huge closet so we turned it 

into a dress up room.  

I am so in love with this spot!

Another vision turned reality - an arts and crafts table in her room for quiet time.

Jackson's Room 

And another vision - a little reading corner for Jackson. So far it isn't working - he just grabs the books and brings them to me to read, but still a cute idea!

Basement/playroom

 

My favorite spot in the whole house!  This was a random closet in the basement so we made it a reading nook. No set up except the string of lights - still feels magical to me.

Other random places in the house...

Kids bathroom

Entry way

 

A room without toys for Jacob and myself! 

Birthday time!

My sweet Elliana.  She has been so strong through this move. She has been patient, flexible and understanding. It was exciting to be able to celebrate her birthday and tell her in a small way, "thank you."

Elli thank you:

for being so sweet

for being so passionate

for being such an amazing big sister

for always helping mommy when I need it

for knowing when Jackson needs your love and attention

for loving Jesus with your whole heart

for making my world light up

for being my sweet daughter and my best friend

Thanks Grandma Waller for making such a beautiful cake!

   

Tons of goodies for the princess!

I have to include this picture...Jackson kept taking Elli's phone from her toy set and putting it in his "pocket."  We need to work on where the pocket is =)